Study 40
by Charles Tan
Text: Daniel 7:1-8
Dear Young People,
“FOUR GREAT BEASTS…” Daniel 7:3
In Daniel’s vision, he saw “four great beasts”. The four beasts were:-
1. A lion with eagle’s wings. (Daniel 7:4)
2. A bear. (Daniel 7:5)
3. A leopard, with four heads, and four wings on its back. (Daniel 7:6)
4. A creature with ten horns plus one more. It was described as “dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong.” (Daniel 7:7-8)
MAKING SENSE OUT OF PROPHETIC IMAGERY
Imagery is a necessary part of language. Through effective imagery, Daniel was given a glimpse of the prophetic future.
The first beast is easy enough to identify. The first beast symbolized Babylon. The imagery of a lion with eagle’s wings was a common motif in the art and sculpture in Babylon. Daniel would have no difficulty identifying the first beast as a symbol of the mighty Babylonian Empire.
The lion was a mighty beast. The symbol of the mighty lion combined with that of the eagle would be an effective way of describing the might of Babylon!
Once we identify the first beast, then the second beast would not be difficult to interpret. Daniel outlived Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. He lived to see the Babylonian empire crumble. The Medo-Persian Empire was established. The symbol of a bear was well chosen. A bear would be more than a match for the lion. Medo-Persia became mightier than Babylon and it became the next world empire!
We would have to rely on history to help us understand how to interpret the third symbol. History tells us that the Persian Empire was defeated by the Greeks, led by Alexander the Great. Alexander was famous for the swift way in which he conquered his enemies! The symbol of a leopard was well chosen. After his death, his kingdom was divided among his four generals, well represented by the four heads and the four wings!
Again we have to rely on history to help us interpret the fourth beast. This beast was so powerful that it was described as a creature that had ten horns. A horn was a symbol of power! If the beast had ten horns, then it was a mighty creature indeed. History tells us that the Greeks were defeated by Rome.
FOUR GREAT EMPIRES FORETOLD BY BIBLICAL PROPHECY
What a mighty prophetic vision Daniel was given! He had lived through two of the prophecies he saw. He experienced what it meant to be part of the Babylonian and the Persian Empires. He was privileged to hold high political positions in both empires.
What stands out as an amazing thing as we read Daniel 7? Surely it is that God’s prophetic word is so wonderfully accurate! Prophecy is history foretold indeed! Let us deepen our appreciation of God’s Word!